Clarence Pinckney, affectionately known as 'Pinky' by friends and fans alike, was the founder of the soul/funk/R&B/jazz band Tickled Pink, a vibrant dance/show group that captivated audiences across the United States and Canada during the 1970s.

Born in Glensville, Georgia, Pinky’s musical journey began at the United House of Prayer for All People Church, where he performed with the church's marching band, The Grace Silver Leaf Band, and the shout band, The Seven Blowing Angels. He completed his early high school education in Savannah, Georgia, before relocating to New York City. At the age of 18, in 1960, Pinky made his debut as a professional musician, taking on the role of lead trumpet player for The Ross Elliott Quartet, which opened for the legendary Count Basie Band at Madison Square Garden.

Throughout the early 1960s, Pinky honed his musical talents further and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962. After six years of military service, he was free to fully pursue his passion for music. In 1969, Pinky formed The Mint Juleps, collaborating with drummer and promoter Gil Ray, and the talented vocalist/organist Marge Gregory in the Tacoma/Seattle area. The group's newly-released single "Interstate 5 Blues" gained considerable radio play, boosting their popularity while they performed at the Medford Hotel in Oregon. Pinky, Gil, and Marge continued to engage audiences in the Pacific Northwest until 1970.

That same year, Pinky created Pinky and the Topics, where he showcased his skills as a drummer and horn player alongside organist Kenny Trebillcock, guitarist Mike Smith, and vocalist Vicki Teller. Merlin Bell later replaced Trebillcock on keyboards. By 1971, as The Topics pursued different musical directions, Pinky assembled a talented trio featuring organist Billy Haddon from Cleveland, Ohio, drummer Mark Breeze from Spokane, Washington, and himself on alto and trumpet. This trio marked the beginning of Tickled Pink, a name that would become significant in various American music genres.

In 1972, Pinky wrote and arranged the single "Reach Out," recording it at Phil York's studio in Dallas, Texas. This track became a prominent fixture on radio playlists nationwide. After this success, Pinky and Tickled Pink took their performances to Alaska, where they enjoyed a series of first-class engagements, culminating in a successful run at the prestigious Top of the World Club at the Anchorage Westward Hotel.

In 1973, Pinky welcomed talented guitarist Larry Marshall from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and drummer Fred Taylor from Seattle, Washington, to the group. To enhance Tickled Pink's appeal, Pinky began searching for an exceptional female vocalist. Fate intervened when he spotted Joyce Diamond, a former classmate from Morris High School and member of the 1960s all-female vocal groups The Chantels and The Chiffons, while she was performing at the Evergreen Inn in Olympia, Washington. He successfully recruited her, creating a dynamic front line for the band.

Shortly thereafter, Pinky’s brother Jerome joined as a percussionist, and Audie Wong took over as the lead drummer. Despite the changes in personnel, Pinky often returned to the drummer's role. During this time, he wrote, arranged, and produced another hit single for Tickled Pink, "Do What Ya Wanna."

In 1976, the band experienced another lineup change. With Pinky focusing more on drums while still playing alto and trumpet, he and Joyce Diamond were joined by keyboardist Allan Monroe and bassist Bob Noreen. This dynamic quartet electrified audiences in top venues from Kansas City to Seattle, where they recorded a live album at the Tradewinds Resort in Ocean Shores in 1977.

Following the disbandment of Tickled Pink in 1979, Pinky took a year away from performing before embarking on a new chapter in 1981, headlining music and entertainment aboard the S.S. Rotterdam of Holland America Cruise Lines, departing from Vancouver, British Columbia.

In the 1980s, Pinky continued to diversify his musical endeavors, achieving notable accomplishments. Now, more than 35 years after Tickled Pink's dissolution, Pinky remains active, regularly delighting audiences with club performances in New York.